the Fly Clone Project

I've got a Fly Deluxe that I love, someone locally is selling a Fly Mojo, and for once, my guitar fund has some cash in it! I'm wondering, how different are the deluxe and the mojo? I'm aware of the Basswood/Poplar vs Mahogany/Mahogany differences and the Seymour Duncan vs. DiMarzio pickups being different, but tonally, what does that translate too? Also, what other differences could I expect to find?

Here’s a few tidbits:

- Expect a heavier instrument with a thicker body/neck.

- Expect more low end on the Mojo (with the Seymour Duncans and the all-mahogany construction).

- Expect to find switches and several components that are failing (and/or of lesser quality). This is especially true if comparing a pre-refined Deluxe to a refined Mojo.

They’re two flavors. Some players find they prefer one to the other. If you can live with the price, let us know your impressions.

The price is what has me wanting to try it out. It is a 90 minute drive to the guy's house, so I'm thinking hard before I go.

reverend-kansas wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:26 pm The price is what has me wanting to try it out. It is a 90 minute drive to the guy's house, so I'm thinking hard before I go.

Make sure you thoroughly inspect the fretboard for any signs of delamination.

The year most avoid is 2008 (as it was plagued with various issues, most of which being a bad batch of glue).

Good luck.

What are the signs of delamination?

The fingerboard lifts up slightly. This results in "high frets" which are not really high. The whole fretboard is high. Look at the seam between the neck and the fretboard. It should be very clean with no sign of separation between the board and the neck.

Patzag wrote: ↑Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:22 pm The fingerboard lifts up slightly. This results in "high frets" which are not really high. The whole fretboard is high. Look at the seam between the neck and the fretboard. It should be very clean with no sign of separation between the board and the neck.

OK, so it will be visible along the seam between the fretboard and neck. Thanks. This Mojo is a late '09 model.

reverend-kansas wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 10:51 am

Patzag wrote: ↑Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:22 pm The fingerboard lifts up slightly. This results in "high frets" which are not really high. The whole fretboard is high. Look at the seam between the neck and the fretboard. It should be very clean with no sign of separation between the board and the neck.

OK, so it will be visible along the seam between the fretboard and neck. Thanks. This Mojo is a late '09 model.

The year is basically irrelevant. The issue popped up on several models across years. I spoke to the Production Manager and this was due to extremely hot weather in summer months resulting in improper curing of the glue. I don't know much more...
Just inspect, make sure there's no lift of the board, and that there are no "high frets".

..and beware of numerous paint chips along the fingerboard…and of high action…if the thing’s been converted to a pseudo slide guitar= red flags.

Why don’t you bring a fret rocker while you’re at it?

Good luck.

Voice Of Reason wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:06 pm Why don’t you bring a fret rocker while you’re at it?

I think the only reasonable path forward is for all of us to show up as a unified entourage standing behind @reverend-kansas.

vjmanzo wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:48 pm

Voice Of Reason wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:06 pm Why don’t you bring a fret rocker while you’re at it?

I think the only reasonable path forward is for all of us to show up as a unified entourage standing behind @reverend-kansas.

vjmanzo wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:48 pm

Voice Of Reason wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:06 pm Why don’t you bring a fret rocker while you’re at it?

I think the only reasonable path forward is for all of us to show up as a unified entourage standing behind @reverend-kansas.

I can't buy you all plane tickets, but I will go to Tim Horton's and buy some Timbits and coffee for everyone who shows up.

reverend-kansas wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 3:49 pm

vjmanzo wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:48 pm

Voice Of Reason wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:06 pm Why don’t you bring a fret rocker while you’re at it?

I think the only reasonable path forward is for all of us to show up as a unified entourage standing behind @reverend-kansas.

I can't buy you all plane tickets, but I will go to Tim Horton's and buy some Timbits and coffee for everyone who shows up.

Glad to see Tim Hortons is catching up in the States.

Now if only they could revert to being as good as they were (back home) before the sale…

I’m told I can be quite intimidating, so I’d have to be the doorman. After all, I’d be paid in Timbits!

Timmie's menu ...

Patzag wrote: ↑Mon Apr 03, 2023 5:20 pm Timmie's menu ...

Screenshot 2023-04-03 at 17.19.13.png

America runs on Dunkin…so it has to be so much better!

My ‘11 had the fretboard delamination issue, but I had it repaired at iGuitar Workshop (@vjmanzo recommendation) for an extremely reasonable amount.

Like others said, the Mojo’s tone is definitely deeper/darker than the Deluxe. In my opinion, the build quality of the pre-refined is better and they feel more special, but YMMV!

One aspect that I think is better on the refined is the tremolo arm and insert. Both of my Deluxes have a slight bit of play betwixt the arm and the hex insert — and I think the rounded arm has a more refined look and feel

Gregsaab wrote: ↑Tue Apr 11, 2023 10:25 pm One aspect that I think is better on the refined is the tremolo arm and insert.

I actually replaced the rounded bushing arm on my refined with a spare hex bushing because of how much I prefer the hex bushing/arm.

vjmanzo wrote: ↑Tue Apr 11, 2023 10:46 pm I actually replaced the rounded bushing arm on my refined with a spare hex bushing because of how much I prefer the hex bushing/arm.

I have a spare hex bushing; and intend to do this - but I first need to fabricate a few hex bars.